One of the world’s most enduring style icons Birkin died on July 16, 2023, at the age of 76. After a career that spanned seven decades, she’s been photographed countless times, both as a model , acting in films, performing music and on the street.
Actor and singer Jane Birkin was described for decades as the epitome of French style, though the star was born in London to British parents. But moved to France and resided since the late 1960s, her casual ‘boho-chic’, ‘high-low’ look was often characterised as the definition of French style, on and off the screen.
Birkin had a natural and minimalistic approach to beauty.
She often showcased her bare face with minimal makeup, tousled hair, and a radiant, fresh-faced look. Her effortless beauty resonated with many women as well as men and contributed to her overall appeal as a style icon.
Birkin’s style was characterised by her effortless and bohemian aesthetic. Blessed with a rare kind of natural beauty, she often embraced a casual and free-spirited look, mixing vintage and contemporary pieces to create unique outfits. Her style was defined by elements such as flowing dresses, flared jeans, oversized shirts, and straw baskets.
One of the most famous aspects of Jane Birkin’s style legacy is the iconic Hermès Birkin bag. The story goes that she met the CEO of Hermès on a flight and expressed her dissatisfaction with her current bag. This led to the creation of the iconic Birkin bag, which quickly became a status symbol and a coveted accessory among fashion enthusiasts to this very day.
As well as being a fully fledged style icon Birkin is also known for her musical career.
She collaborated with the French singer-songwriter Serge Gainsbourg, with whom she had a romantic relationship. Their partnership produced several iconic songs. One of their most famous and controversial songs is “Je t’aime… moi non plus” (1969), which became an international hit despite its explicit lyrics and provocative nature.
Overall, Jane Birkin’s unique sense of style, effortless beauty, and cultural influence contributed to her status as a style icon. Her legacy continues to inspire fashion trends and her influence can still be seen in contemporary fashion.
Subscribe to FIB’s Weekly Breaking News Report for your weekly dose of music, fashion and pop culture news!
